Walking into your child’s first therapy appointment can feel overwhelming. One of the biggest questions parents ask before therapy is, “What should I bring?” Sometimes packing a diaper bag or bag for the big kids will feel like you are packing everything in the house but the kitchen sink. While packing a favorite toy or a snack can certainly help, one of the most valuable things you can bring to any therapy session is an understanding that every day is different for your child (and that’s perfectly okay).

 Parents often ask us:

• “Should I bring snacks?”
• “Do they need toys?”
• “Should I stay in the session?”
• “What information is helpful for the therapist?”

The good news is you don’t need to pack everything you own! A few thoughtful items can help your child feel comfortable while also giving your therapist valuable information to make each session as successful as possible.

Babies & Young Toddlers (Birth to 2 Years)

The youngest children often do best when familiar comforts are nearby. Many babies are entering a new environment filled with new people, sounds, and toys.

Helpful Things to Bring

 Bottle or Cup

• If your baby may become hungry during or immediately after therapy, bring a bottle, breast milk, formula, or their preferred cup.

Favorite Comfort Item

• A favorite stuffed animal, lovey, blanket, or soft toy can provide reassurance when your little one is adjusting to a new environment. 

Diapers & Wipes

• Accidents happen! Having extra diapers and wipes keeps everyone comfortable. 

Extra Clothes

*Especially for infants and toddlers working on feeding skills or sensory activities.

• T-shirt
• Shorts
• Pants
• Socks

Snacks (When Appropriate)

• If your therapist has approved snacks or feeding activities, bring familiar foods your child enjoys. If your child has allergies or special dietary needs, let your therapist know before the session. 

Medical Items

• Bring hearing aids, glasses, braces, orthotics, communication devices, or any equipment your child uses daily. Whenever possible, schedule therapy after naps and meals. A well-rested, comfortable child is often more ready to participate.

 Preschoolers (Ages 2-5)

Preschoolers are learning through play, imagination, and routine.

Bring Items That Help Your Therapist Understand Your Child

Instead of bringing lots of toys, bring information!

Consider telling your therapist:

• My child LOVES dinosaurs.
• They are obsessed with trucks.
• Bluey is their favorite show.
• They love pretend cooking.
• Music gets them excited.
• They enjoy puzzles.
• They love bubbles.
• They enjoy being the “teacher.”

These details help therapists build motivation into activities.

Also Share…

• Foods your child refuses to eat (if you are in feeding therapy with our occupational therapy team)
• Sensory sensitivities
• Favorite rewards
• What calms them down
• What typically causes meltdowns
• Recent developmental changes
• New words they’ve started saying
• New skills they’ve learned at home

School-Aged Children (6 Years & Older)

Older children benefit when therapists understand not just how they learn—but who they are. As children grow, their personalties, interests, friendships, challenges, and goals become just as important as their developmental milestones. The strongest therapeutic relationships are build on understanding the whole child and not just the skills they are working to improve. 

Share Your Child’s Interests

Simple notes before the session can make a huge difference.

For example:

• My child loves Minecraft.
• They’re really into Pokémon.
• They love soccer.
• They enjoy drawing.
• They’re obsessed with space.
• They love reading mystery books.
• They enjoy LEGO® building.
• They love science experiments.

Therapists can often incorporate these interests into therapy activities to increase motivation and participation.

Tell Us What Doesn’t Work

Parents often hesitate to mention activities their child dislikes, but this information is incredibly valuable. 

For example:

• They don’t like loud noises.
• They avoid messy play.
• They become frustrated with timed activities.
• They dislike losing games.
• They don’t enjoy coloring.
• They become anxious with transitions.
• They avoid group activities.
• They shut down when asked too many questions.

Knowing these preferences allows therapists to adjust activities while still helping children build new skills. 

A Simple Parent Note Can Be Incredibly Helpful

Many parents arrive thinking they need to remember everything. Instead, consider keeping a running note on your phone or bringing in a notebook.

Avani Shah, M.Ed., CCC-SLP, CEO and Founder of Therapy Smarts shared, “Every detail you share tells another part of your child’s story. Whether it’s something wonderful that happened at home or a struggle you’re seeing, your observations are invaluable. We encourage parents to communicate openly because those conversations help us make therapy more meaningful, more personalized, and more successful.” 

Examples include:

Things going well

• Used a new word.
• Rode a bike independently.
• Ate a new food.
• Slept through the night.
• Got dressed without help.

Things we’re struggling with

• Refusing homework.
• Difficulty transitioning.
• New tantrums.
• Trouble with handwriting.
• Falling more often.
• Increased toe walking.
• Trouble making friends.

These real-life observations help therapists connect therapy goals to your child’s everyday routines.

Remember: You’re Part of the Therapy Team

One of the greatest strengths of pediatric therapy is the partnership between families and therapists. You know what motivates your child, what comforts them, and what challenges they face at home. Sharing those details helps us create meaningful, engaging therapy sessions that support progress beyond the clinic.

At Therapy Smarts, we believe the best outcomes happen when therapists and families work together. Whether your child is receiving Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, ABA Therapy, Mental Health Therapy, or a Psychological Evaluation, your insights help us personalize care every step of the way. 

Schedule an Appointment at Therapy Smarts

Therapy Smarts proudly serves families throughout Chapel Hill, Durham, Cary, Apex, Morrisville, Hillsborough, Pittsboro, and surrounding North Carolina communities.

Our award-winning team offers:

• Pediatric Speech Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• ABA Therapy
• Mental Health Therapy
• Psychological Evaluations

With immediate openings in several service areas, we’re here to help your child reach their fullest potential in a fun, compassionate, play-based environment. 

At Therapy Smarts, our pediatric Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, ABA Therapy, Mental Health Therapy, and Psychological Evaluation teams love partnering with parents. You know your child better than anyone else, and the more we know, the better we can tailor therapy to their unique needs.

Contact us today, (919) 378-1340 to learn more.